Tag Archive for: Politics

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Stuebe Bill to Support Search, Rescue Efforts Receives Public Hearing

The House Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on Tuesday for Rep. David Stuebe‘s first bill as a Washington state legislator.

House Bill 1625 would create a grant program to support backcountry search and rescue organizations and volunteers.

“I’m happy to see this bill receive a hearing because we need to help the agencies and responders who answer the call to rescue people in emergency situations,” said Stuebe, R-Washougal.

The Washington State Military Department Emergency Management Division estimates that approximately 1,000 search and rescue missions occur annually in Washington.

“Natural disasters and other emergencies are becoming more common, especially, when people head out to explore wilderness areas in Washington,” added Stuebe. “This grant program would create a way to help fund these backcountry search and rescue efforts and prevent the state from taking on more expenses.”

HB 1625 would create the Backcountry Search and Rescue Account and a mechanism to fund the grant account through legislative appropriations, donations, grants, or funds from other public or private sources. Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Chelan, introduced a companion bill in the Senate, SB 5631.

The Washington State Military Department would administer the program, creating the account in the state treasury.

If the legislation passes, the new rescue grant program would provide grants to search and rescue organizations for backcountry search and rescue volunteers’ planning, equipment, training, exercise, and operation costs. It would also allow counties, cities, and towns to recover backcountry search and rescue costs that are not reimbursed through other sources.

“This bill makes sense for everyone involved,” said Stuebe. “If we can use this program to fund these emergencies, rescuers would have a better chance of saving people in need. This program would provide better training, better resources, and better outcomes.”

The bill now waits for a vote by the committee.

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Gluesenkamp Perez Holds Log Truck Roundtable, Visits Wahkiakum County

PUGET ISLAND, WA – Last week,Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) held a roundtable with log truck operators, visited the Puget Island Alternate Water System Project, and toured Grays River priorities.

During Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s roundtable with Southwest Washington log truck drivers, the group discussed the need to make it easier to run or start an independent operation and hire apprentices, make common sense adjustments to federal regulation, and ensure more young people have the training necessary to pursue these careers early and safely.

“Being able to harvest and move timber is an important part of being able to prevent wildfire, build houses, and support family wage jobs. Hearing from our log truck operators, a decline in timber and complicated red tape can make it difficult to run a small, family operation, much less get one off the ground,”said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez.“We had a productive discussion about ways to ensure federal regulations actually make sense for independent operators and to get more young people the skills they need to build these careers as the workforce ages. Having operated an auto repair and machine shop before coming to Congress, I know how difficult it can be to hire an apprentice, yet these opportunities remain a critical pathway to the middle class.”

Last month, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s provisions were signed into law to extend eligibility for the Forest Service’s Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) for federal forest restoration and management projects to Tribes and counties to increase opportunities for cross-boundary restoration.

Afterward, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez spoke with Wahkiakum PUD about local utility priorities and visited the site of the Puget Island Alternate Water System Project.

In March, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez secured $959,752 of federal funds for the project as one of her Community Project Funding (CPF) requests. The funding makes the project possible without rate impacts to Wahkiakum PUD customers.

“Nearly a quarter of Wahkiakum County lives on Puget Island, and they’re served by a single water supply. Right now, three of four fire hydrants don’t have adequate water flow, so I secured funds to build an alternate, reliable water source to keep folks safe and protect their livelihoods and reliable access to clean water. By bringing our federal tax dollars home, we’re avoiding a rise in utility rates to get this done,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Wahkiakum PUD has a small but mighty team that takes immense pride in doing high-quality work in house. I’m glad I could see their skilled work firsthand as this critical project rapidly gets underway.”

The Congresswoman has helped bring home more than $12.9 million for water and wastewater projects across Southwest Washington. An interactive map of community investments she has supported can be found at gluesenkampperez.house.gov/invest.

Gluesenkamp Perez
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Gluesenkamp Perez’s PORT Act Signed Into Law, Along w/ Flooding Assistance

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA) was signed into law by the President, including assistance for flooding in Wahkiakum County, sediment control on the Columbia and Cowlitz Rivers, and the provisions of Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s (WA-03) PORT Act to approve a land conveyance to the Port of Skamania for local economic development. The Congresswoman voted with her bipartisan colleagues in the House to pass the legislation in December, and it passed the Senate later in the month.

In January, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez testified in front of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to fight for the inclusion of these long-awaited priorities in this year’s WRDA. Video of her testimony can be found here.

The legislation will approve the Port of Skamania’s request for a 1.6-acre plot of unused U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land, which the port filed over 40 years ago and requires Congressional authorization.

The WRDA will also require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess the causes of fine sediment accumulation that causes flooding in Rosburg and Grays River, as well as potential solutions to manage flood risk. When flooding occurs on the Grays River, it cuts off access to roughly 500 people, often for more than two days at a time. Within hours, the flooding limits vital emergency services, business operations, and school transportation, leaving behind sediment that can be dangerous and time consuming to remove. Last December, the U.S. Coast Guard rescued five people trapped in flooding conditions near Rosburg.

Additionally, the legislation will authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study related to impacts of sediment accumulation on navigation channels in the Cowlitz and Columbia Rivers. Currently, the Mt. St. Helens Sediment Control Project only allows dredging for flood risk management.

“Living in unincorporated Skamania County, I’ve seen firsthand how our community has had to endure painful cuts to vital services due to a lack of developable land and our funding being tied to natural resources like timber. This 1.6-acre plot of land is the kind of thing that can make an incredible difference in empowering our rural community. The port’s typewritten request for this land was filed before I was born, and it was unfortunately ignored by Congress for 40 years,”said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Rosburg and Grays River know the impacts of flooding all too well – and it’s only been getting worse. These floods are dangerous, leave behind debris, and cut off critical services, so our federal government needs to take urgent action to find solutions. We should also be supporting smooth, reliable navigation on Southwest Washington’s rivers. Our rural communities deserve an attentiveness to their needs – and I’m glad we could get these priorities signed into law after Congress has long failed to act.”

“The port is a key economic driver in Skamania County where just 0.4% of land is available for commercial development due to federal land-use protections. Because of the property’s location outside of these land-use restrictions this is an unheard-of chance to generate new economic development activity in a community with so many barriers preventing it,” said Pat Albaugh, Executive Director of the Port of Skamania County. “We can’t thank the Congresswoman enough for her leadership to finally overcome the bureaucratic roadblocks the port has faced for decades and put us on a road to success.”

The Water Resources Development Act is a biannual bill required for the authorization of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation projects, including to improve navigable channels, reduce flood and storm damage, and restore aquatic ecosystems.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez helped secure the transfer of the remaining 23.4-acres of the Wind River Administrative Site to Skamania County, which was finalized in October. She is also fighting to prevent the Secure Rural Schools program from expiring, as it serves as a lifeline for rural schools and infrastructure and accounts for 5.1 percent of Skamania County’s budget.

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Gluesenkamp Perez, Golden Introduce Bill on Electoral Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Rep. Jared Golden (ME-02) announced the introduction of legislation to establish a bipartisan select committee to examine current electoral methods and recommend reforms to reduce political polarization and strengthen our nation’s democracy.

The Electoral Reform Select Committee Act would convene a bipartisan group of lawmakers to consider alternatives to our current winner-take-all electoral system, such as multi-member districts with proportional representation, expanding the House, and independent redistricting commissions.

“Regardless of party or ideology, more and more Americans feel that our democracy isn’t working for them. Voters feel unrepresented and are losing faith in a government that they view as unreflective of their communities and values. As Members of Congress, we need to take a step back, reexamine how we got here, and work toward what we can do to fix it,” said Gluesenkamp Perez. “This bipartisan select committee will look at the role our electoral system plays in exacerbating the hyper-partisanship, cynicism, and obstruction that has taken over today’s politics. It’s past time for Congress to set aside the conflict and chaos of clickbait politics and get back to work governing on behalf of the American people.”

“Americans on both sides are fed up with a political system that incentivizes division,”said Rep. Golden. “Fixing our laws to make government more representative doesn’t just sound great on paper: states like Maine have already proven it works. Getting both Democrats and Republicans to start talking about solutions is the first step to a better future.”

This legislation has the support of more than 170 political scientists, who wrote a public letter of support calling for Congress to “take this step towards reversing today’s dangerous levels of polarization and dysfunction and to strengthen itself as the fulcrum of our democracy.”

Earlier this year, Reps. Gluesenkamp Perez and Golden introduced bipartisan election reform legislation, as well as the BRIDGE to Congress Resolution to make it less difficult for constituents to appear before House committees.

Full text of the bill is available here.

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Election 2024: Rep. Perez Holds 4-Point Lead Over Challenger Kent

Vancouver, WA — Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez holds a four point lead over Republican Joe Kent on Tuesday in a re-match that has been watched nationally, with implications on which political party will control the U.S. House of Representatives.

Gluesenkamp Perez, who is seeking a second term representing the 3rd Congressional District in southwest Washington, led Kent 51.8% to 47.8% in votes tallied on Election night. An updated count is expected by 4 pm Wednesday.

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Election 2024: Clark County Ballot Deposit Box Locations

Vancouver, WA — If you wish to return your voted ballot in person on or before Election Day take it to: Clark County Elections Office (1408 Franklin Street, Vancouver), available from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and 7 am to 8 pm on Election Day.

Or return your voted ballot to one of the 22 red permanent ballot drop boxes, available 24 hours a day starting 18 days before an election until 8 pm on Election Day.

East County Locations:

Vancouver Locations:

Other Clark County Locations: 

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Gluesenkamp Perez Helps Secure $26.3M to Expand Port of Kalama Rail Capacity

Kalama, WA – Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), along with Senators Patty Murray (WA) and Maria Cantwell (WA), helped secure a $26,323,286 grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s CRISI Program to expand rail capacity to the Port of Kalama’s TEMCO Export Grain Terminal.

The funding will add four miles of rail, which will allow the port to store two loaded and two empty trains simultaneously and increase the efficiency of loading grain from rail to ship by up to 30 percent. In April, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez wrote to the Department of Transportation in support of the project.

Last year, the Port of Kalama was the number one exporter of wheat in the United States, number one exporter of soybeans on the West Coast, and seventeenth greatest volume exporter in the country.

“By investing in rail capacity at the Port of Kalama, we’re going to help grain move more efficiently and boost market access for Washington producers,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez.“With small family farms facing increasing challenges, I’ll keep fighting to bring home federal dollars to expand opportunities for growers, support local jobs, and rebuild our rural and agricultural economies.”

“Port Commissioners and staff have worked for years to secure grant funds for this project, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell, Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and their respective staff in capturing this important infrastructure investment for Southwest Washington,” said Port Commission President Randy Sweet. “We’d also like to acknowledge and thank the Soy Transportation Coalition and its many American farmers for their support and contribution to this project.”

In March, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez secured $500,000 for the Port of Longview to expand an industrial rail corridor and $4,116,279 for the Port of Chehalis to construct a grain storage and transloading facility for local farmers to move product via rail.

An interactive map of community investments supported by the Congresswoman can be found at gluesenkampperez.house.gov/invest.

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Gluesenkamp Perez, Larsen Introduce Bill to Combat Fentanyl Trafficking

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) introduced the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act to establish a dedicated federal funding stream to help multi-jurisdictional drug task forces (MJTFs) combat opioid trafficking in Washington state and across the country.

The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act would:

  • Expand and formalize an existing DOJ initiative, the COPS Anti-Heroin Task Force program, to fund MJTFs to target opioid trafficking.
  • Help law enforcement expand partnerships across federal, state, Tribal, and local agencies to address opioid trafficking.
  • Allow funds to be used to create or expand existing MJTFs, hire and train law enforcement offices and other support employees, procure equipment, technology, support systems, and pay overtime.
  • Require 20 percent of funding to be set aside for Tribes and 20 percent to be made directly available to MJTFs. 
  • Double funding historically provided to the COPS Anti-Heroin Task Force program to address opioid trafficking. 
  • Provide technical assistance, including through training centers and facilities, to help instruct law enforcement on best practices for combating opioid trafficking.

“We have to end the deadly flow of fentanyl into our communities before it takes more of our loved ones and neighbors from us, and we need all of the law enforcement talent possible at the table,” Gluesenkamp Perez. “I’m introducing this legislation to dedicate federal funds to multi-jurisdictional task forces and expand partnerships and training – because when law enforcement agencies can coordinate regionally, they can more effectively fight fentanyl trafficking.”

“The opioid epidemic has devastated Northwest Washington,” said Larsen.“Members of local, state and Tribal law enforcement have told me they often lack the funding and resources to stem the flow of opioids and fentanyl that harm the communities they serve. This bill invests in and empowers multi-jurisdictional task forces to get more opioids and fentanyl off our streets – a critical investment that will protect Northwest Washington communities and save lives.” 

In Washington state and around the country, law enforcement agencies partner across jurisdictions to form task forces that coordinate information, resources, and staff to target the illegal distribution of drugs at the local and regional levels. Washington state currently has 16 active MJTFs. 

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) program is the leading source of federal justice funding for states, Tribes, and local governments supporting a range of criminal legal system improvement and community advancement initiatives, including MJTFs.

Last year, Reps. Gluesenkamp Perez and Larsen, along with other members of the Washington Delegation urged the Governor to continue to support the important work of MJTFs fighting fentanyl trafficking. The Congresswoman also supports increased funding for the Byrne JAG and COPS grants local law enforcement departments rely on.

Gluesenkamp Perez is working to fight the flow of fentanyl across our Southern Border that is making the work of first responders more difficult. She cosponsored the FEND Off Fentanyl and END FENTANYL Acts in the House, which are now law to target fentanyl traffickers and fight fentanyl smuggling at ports of entry.

Gluesenkamp Perez, along with her bipartisan colleagues, introduced the Invest to Protect Act to help police departments access funding for training, hiring and retention; introduced the Streamlining Federal Grants Act to make it easier for small, rural departments to apply for resources; and helped introduce legislation to support training and recruitment grants and expand access for rural communities.

A one-page summary of the legislation is available here.

“The National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition commends Representatives Larsen and Gluesenkamp Perez for their work and introduction of the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act. Greater investment in resources for drug enforcement efforts – particularly multi-jurisdictional drug task forces – is needed to counter the alarming trend of drug poisoning,” said Eric Brown, president of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC). “Multi-jurisdictional drug task forces have generated best practices in information sharing, case deconfliction, and institutional coordination against local and regional drug threats. Given the diversification of Byrne JAG funding for purposes other than multi-jurisdictional drug task forces in some states, this legislation will provide much needed dedicated funding to address the drug poisoning epidemics in our communities.”

“The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) applauds Representatives Larsen and Gluesenkamp Perez for their efforts to combat the fentanyl epidemic and for advocating for essential resources to support our mission of protecting communities across the nation,” said MCSA Executive Director Megan Noland.“The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act would provide law enforcement with critical tools to target drug traffickers and prevent fentanyl from entering our communities. We appreciate that the bill would provide dedicated resources to support local multi-jurisdictional drug task forces.” 

“Drug trafficking has brought tremendous harm to Washingtonians as such, the Washington State Narcotics Investigators Association enthusiastically endorses Representative Larsen’s efforts to strengthen partnerships and cooperation between federal and local agencies to save lives and prevent more devastation by addressing opioid trafficking in Washington State. His proposals in Congress represent the balance needed to positively impact lives and livelihoods of those in our state devastated by illicit drug trafficking,” said WSNIA President Chris Foreman. “We urge Congress to pass the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act immediately to provide crucial resources to our communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. Failure to do so will cost more lives and devastation caused by overdoses and opioid use disorder, and street crimes in our neighborhoods.”

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Building Industry Group PAC Announces 2024 General Election Endorsements

Vancouver, WA —The Building Industry Group PAC (BIG PAC) has announced its endorsements for the 2024 general election, following a thorough vetting process of candidates based on questionnaires, voting records, and interviews. These endorsements reflect the PAC’s commitment to housing affordability and policies that support the building industry and small businesses throughout Clark County.

BIG PAC’s endorsements for state legislative races include:

  • Rep. Paul Harris (running for District 17 Senate)
  • Rep. Kevin Waters (District 17, Position 1)
  • David Stuebe (District 17, Position 2)
  • Brad Benton (running for District 18 Senate)
  • Rep. Stephanie McClintock (District 18, Position 1)
  • Sen. John Braun (District 20 Senate)
  • Rep. Peter Abbarno (District 20, Position 1)
  • Rep. Ed Orcutt (District 20, Position 2)
  • Sen. Annette Cleveland (District 49)

For Clark County Council, BIG PAC is endorsing:

  • Chuck Keplar for District 3
  • Matt Little for District 4

Additionally, BIG PAC supports James O’Neil for Clark Public Utilities Commissioner.

The 2024 election cycle is critical for Clark County communities, and BIG PAC urges all registered voters to participate in the general election. The PAC has a long-standing legacy of advocating for policies that support the building industry and address housing concerns.

More information on BIG PAC’s endorsements is available at buildclarkcounty.com.

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Gluesenkamp Perez’s Bill Passes Committee to Rename Bucoda Post Office

WASHINGTON, D.C. –This week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s (WA-03) bipartisan legislation to rename the Bucoda Post office in honor of the late Mayor Rob Gordon unanimously passed the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

In August, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez introduced the bill with the support of the entire Washington House Delegation, and the Bucoda Town Council passed a motion in support of the effort. This week, the Thurston County Board of Commissioners also wrote a letter in support of the legislation.

Rob Gordon served as Bucoda’s Mayor and Assistant Fire Chief, was a lifelong resident of Southwest Washington, and operated a family haul truck business and ranch. He passed away in June 2024 and is survived by his wife, Miriam, and their two children, Jakob and Anna.

“Rob served the town of Bucoda selflessly and proudly for many years as a firefighter, Assistant Fire Chief, Councilman, and then Mayor. He went above and beyond in all he did to make the town a better place for all of its residents. He wanted to make sure it would once again be a place where children, especially his own Jakob and Anna, could ride bikes and play without worry. He loved this small town and gave so much of himself and time to it,” said Miriam Gordon. “I don’t think anyone would disagree with me in saying Rob became the backbone of this town in the short time he was given. He would never expect anything like this and being the humble man he was, he would shy away from it. However, I know if he was here now he would be extremely honored to have the town’s post office named after him. Jakob, Anna, myself and Rob’s family are very thankful for what everyone has done to honor and remember Rob, especially this. Thank you.”

“Mayor Gordon was the epitome of a servant leader, with an incredible work ethic and impact on our community that cannot be understated. He represents the best of Southwest Washington – serving as a firefighter since the age of 16, maintaining his haul trucks himself, and passing on important skills and values to his children,” said Gluesenkamp Perez. “Rob was tough, fair minded, and always gave people the opportunity to be the best version of themselves. His passing is a true loss for our community, but his life of service and dedication will remain forever. I’m grateful to have had the chance to know and work alongside him – and by renaming Bucoda’s Post Office, we can help preserve his legacy and inspire future generations of leaders. I’m glad we could quickly move this bipartisan bill through committee – and I’ll continue working to make it a reality.”

“As a lifelong volunteer firefighter for the Town of Bucoda, Mayor Gordon served his community and protected the safety of his fellow Bucoda residents. As a town councilmember and then as mayor, he was a strong advocate for his community and fought hard to ensure that the town of 587 people was not forgotten about. As mayor he worked to replace asbestos water pipes to improve the safety of the drinking water, he advocated for tourism opportunity and was a strong supporter of the annual “Boo-coda” event which brought thousands to the town, and he was a fighter for public safety,” wrote the Thurston County Board of Commissioners. “If there is anyone who is worthy of this recognition it is Mayor Gordon. … We cannot wait to see this become a law and Mayor Gordon receive this long-lasting recognition.

Perez
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